Building near Mascot Towers examined over defective fears

Engineers investigating the troubled Mascot Towers are examining the foundations of an adjacent apartment complex built by the same builder to check whether it is also defective. LOCATION REVEALED.

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Exclusive: Engineers investigating the troubled Mascot Towers are examining the foundations of an adjacent apartment complex built by the same builder to check whether it is also defective.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal engineers are assessing a nine-storey apartment complex on 24 John St in Mascot as part of their investigation into cracking at the nearby Mascot Towers, which sparked an evacuation two weeks ago.

Company records show Lebanese national Hanna Elias, who is also the director of J & B Elias which built Mascot Towers, signed off on plans to build the 39-unit tower in May 2011 under the company name Keywi Pty Ltd.

24 John Street Mascot is being examined.

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A source close to the investigation said that engineers during construction of Mascot Towers had determined it should be built on a “raft slab” — meaning it is self-supporting and floats on the water table — rather than using piers that go down to bedrock. This was due to its proximity to the train station.

The land is above the Botany Sands aquifer, meaning there is shallow groundwater. “The whole building sits on top of the water table like a big raft and if that water table is disturbed it can affect the building,” said the source, who asked not to be named

They said engineers were looking into 24 John St because it adjoins Mascot Towers on the northeastern corner, which is what engineers are calling the “red zone” — the worst affected part of the building.

Residents carry their personal items out of the Mascot Towers last week.

It’s understood they haven’t found any issues with the John St building so far, which was built on piers.

The developer of Peak Towers — which is also adjacent to Mascot Towers — has vehemently rejected speculation that its construction work led to cracking in the neighbouring building. ALAND defended its “high quality” project, claiming the speculation was “wrong” and “without evidence”.

Owners of units in Peak Towers have started listing their apartments for rent after some properties settled quietly on Friday.

“In terms of settlement and occupation (at Peak Towers) it is unaffected by the issues relating to Mascot Towers which have been known for a number of years,” an ALAND spokesman said yesterday.

An industry source said they were “surprised owners didn’t question their position given the “issue next door”.

Residents reading billboards posted at entrance to Mascot Towers. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this week reports indicated Mascot Towers was “sinking” as a result of neighbouring construction work, which had caused a “drop in water tables”.